Here's to a Happy, Healthy, New Year to all of us. We are entering into the driest year on Record for most parts of California. Our current lake level is at its lowest point in the past ten years. If we don't get a good amount of rain in the near future, spring time fishing will be entirely different than in past years. Currently fishing/catching is slow which is normal for this time of the year. The water temps are varying between 44 to 47 degrees, fish are sluggish and the bite is super soft. Numbers for catching are way off from the highs of the year but the size of fish we are catching are all three pound fish and up. Catching a five pounder is a normal happening, and those people targeting the bigger fish with the bigger baits and Alabama rigs are landing some good solid fish up to ten pounds. My trips this past two weeks have all been with live bait and I have averaged only six fish per trip with a seven pound fish being the largest. Again we have had nothing under three pounds for our smallest fish. I am targeting deeper fish hanging on ledges and drop off's and close to rocky structure. Most of the fish we have caught have been in the 18 to 24 ft range. For the casual fisherman, this time of the year will be slow to tough. You must be patient, fish super slow, and cover a lot of water. Crankbaits, jigs, Alabama rig's, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits are all being used along with spoons and the normal drop shot.A few reminders, you still have to have a Lake county boating sticker, buy your 2014 fishing license, wear your life jackets, the water is """Cold"", be very careful boating anywhere close to shore and the launch ramps are also very shallow. Stop into any of the local tackle stores to get updated with the latest baits and conditions. We have several good tackle stores on both ends of the lake and the people running them know what they are doing and will give you the right information. Here's praying for lot's of rain and a Blessed 2014 for all of us. God Bless, Bob

It's been a while since I have updated my report. December is always a "slow" month for guiding and is a month that I concentrate on getting things done that I Haven't been able to attend to during my busy season. Currently conditions at Clear Lake are excellent for getting out on the water and enjoying a beautiful day on the water. We are in a very stable weather pattern, no rain is expected in the near future and the wind factor has been minimal. Yes it has been cold but we are now in a warming trend and the weather should be great for the next week or so. Fishing pressure has been almost non existent and you can basically have the lake to yourself. The tournaments will not start up again until next year and with most people concentrating on having a "Merry Christmas"" , it's a great time to get out on the lake. We are in a typical winter pattern with the water temps hanging around the mid to low 40's. The fish are in their typical winter haunts hanging out in deeper water, ledges & drop off's and are schooled up when you can find them. You have to cover a lot of water at this time of the year, put in your time, try a variety of techniques and if you can land three to five fish for your outing, you have done well. Jig's, a variety of swimbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits, Alabama rigs, and plastics rigged your favorite way will all work. The kicker is you have to stay with them, cover water, be patient, fish slow, and be versatile. Clear Lake is a world class fishery, but it is not always easy and it can humble you. The water is cold, wear your life jackets, falling in fully clothed with your heavy winter clothing, you will have a tough time trying to get back in the boat. Trust me, I have been there and was very thankful I had a life jacket on. Water level is at it's lowest point of the year and the lowest point we have been at for several years. With no rain predicted in the near future, you must be very careful while running close to shore. There are several areas in the lake that are close to shore that look like you could motor through, but actually you could hit the bottom. I know the lake very well but still managed to damage my prop recently hitting a shallow area that I thought I had steerd around. ($200 mistake) The minnow bite is by far the best technique if you just want to go out and catch fish. I fish minnows three ways, with a bobber set up when I am in 3 to15 feet of water, or with a drop shot rig or a split shot rig when I am fishing deeper. Feel free to email me at anytime or call me with any information needed. I hope everyone has a wonderful Merry Christmas, God Bless, Bob & Tary